Treatment and filtration apparatus

Abstract

A water treatment and filtration apparatus (10) has a hollow body (11), provided with an inlet (12) and an outlet (13) respectively for the entry and the exit of the water, which extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and inside which a mechanical filtration device (19) to eliminate the solid particles present in the water traversing the apparatus (10), a descaling treatment device (20) and a magnetic capture device (21) for capturing the ferrous particles contained in the water traversing the apparatus (10) are arranged removably; the mechanical filtration device (19), the descaling treatment device (20) and the magnetic capture device (21) are arranged coaxially along the aforesaid longitudinal axis (L). This apparatus (10) does not need any energy supply and does not require any chemical or additive substance to be added from outside. The apparatus (10) is moreover compact and easy to clean and maintain.

Description

TREATMENT AND FILTRATION APPARATUSBackground of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment and filtration apparatus, intended to be in particular installed along a water inlet pipe of a building so as to treat and filter incoming water.Prior art

[0002] Mains water is subjected to different treatments so as to eliminate most contaminants; however, before the water arrives in our homes it may undergo further alterations, thus being again contaminated.

[0003] The water entering our homes can thus contain bacteria and solid particles of various type like debris and heavy metal. In particular, corrosion of the water pipes of the water system and industrial waste substances cause a harmful increase in the level of iron present inside the water.

[0004] In addition, water may be more or less hard.

[0005] Hard water, in detail, has an excess of calcium and bicarbonate ions that bond together during temperature or pressure changes that occur along domestic pipes to form hard incrustations of calcium carbonate (limescale).

[0006] The presence of limescale causes problems that not only affect water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, taps and fittings, bathroom fixtures and pipes but also textiles and linens, our hair and our skin.

[0007] Accordingly, if hard water is not properly treated, it shortens the life of the domestic plant, increases energy expenditure and necessary domestic maintenance, and can also be the cause of various types of domestic discomfort because the limescale is a fertile terrain for biofilm and bacteria.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a solution that is able to condition incoming water that is stand-alone ed eco-friendly. It would also be desirable for the solution to be compact and easy to maintain and clean.Objects of the invention

[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a water treatment and filtration apparatus that does not require any chemical and additive substance to be added from theoutside.

[0010] Another obj ect of the present invention is to offer a water treatment and filtration apparatus that does not require an energy supply.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a water treatment and filtration apparatus the structure of which is compact.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a water treatment and filtration apparatus that is easy to maintain and clean.Brief description of the invention

[0013] The objects listed above are achieved by a water treatment and filtration apparatus according to the first claim.Brief description of the drawings

[0014] The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate a non-limiting exemplary embodiment thereof, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a water treatment and filtration apparatus according to the invention;Fig. 2 is a frontal view of Fig.1;Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section of Fig.2Fig. 4 is a perspective top view, and on a reduced scale, of a partial section of the apparatus of Fig.1;Fig. 5 is the partial section of Fig. 4 with a part removed;Fig. 6 is a partial section of Fig. 5;Fig. 7 is an exploded view, on a reduced scale, of the apparatus of Fig.1;Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail of Fig. 3.Detailed description of the invention

[0015] The illustrated water treatment and filtration apparatus, indicated generically by 10, is suitable for treating and filtering water, in particular water entering a building.

[0016] With reference to Figs 1 and 2, the apparatus 10 is provided with a hollow body 11 in which an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 are provided respectively for the entry and the exit of the water.

[0017] The body 11, in particular, extends along a longitudinal axis L and inside the body I l a mechanical filtration device 19, a descaling treatment device 20 and a magnetic capture device 21 are arranged, arranged coaxially along the aforesaid longitudinal axis L.

[0018] In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the appended figures, the body 11 is made of three pieces I la, 11b, 11c: an upper piece I la that includes the inlet 12 and the outlet 13, a lower piece 11b and a collecting piece 11c positioned between the aforesaid upper piece I la and the aforesaid lower piece 1 lb.

[0019] The three pieces I la, 11b, 11c are coupled removably. In particular, the upper piece I la and the lower piece 1 lb are threaded so as to define a screw coupling and tighten in position the collecting piece 11c. Still more in particular, an annular gasket 29 is provided that is positioned between the collecting piece 11c and the upper piece I la, so as to ensure a watertight fit.

[0020] The collecting piece 11c is made of a transparent material and, as shown in Fig. 7, the lower piece 1 lb is provided with inspection openings 32.

[0021] With reference to Fig.7, the apparatus 10 is provided with a vent opening 33.

[0022] In particular, the vent opening 33 is obtained in the upper piece 1 la at the outlet13 and is closed by a respective cap 34.

[0023] Further, the upper piece I la has a through hole 35 for fixing the apparatus 10 to a wall.

[0024] As shown in Figs 3,5,6 and 8, the descaling treatment device 20 includes a treatment cartridge 14, arranged removably inside the body 11 along the longitudinal axis L.

[0025] In detail, the cartridge 14 is formed by a shell 24 in which a cartridge inlet 17 and a cartridge outlet 18 are obtained, respectively for the entry and exit of the water from the cartridge 14. Still in greater detail, the cartridge inlet 17 and the cartridge outlet 18 are coaxial and in axis with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0026] Further, the shell 24 has externally a plurality of grooves 25.

[0027] As shown in Figs 4 and 7, the mechanical filtration device 19 includes a filtering sock 19a. In particular, the filtering sock 19a is a fine mesh filtering sock.

[0028] The filtering sock 19a is, in detail, arranged around the outer side surface of the shell 24. In this manner, the plurality of grooves 25 and the filtering sock 19a define a plurality of filtration channels 31 that extend along the side surface of the shell 24.

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment the appended figures, the grooves 25, andconsequently the filtration channels 31, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L along the shell 24.

[0030] Still more in particular, as shown in Figs 5 and 7, the shell 24 is formed by two half shells coupled in an uncouplable manner.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the cartridge 14 and the filtering sock 19a define inside the body I l a first chamber 15 and a second chamber 16. In detail, the first chamber 15 includes the inlet 12.

[0032] The first chamber 15 and the second chamber 16 then, as shown in Figs 4-6, communicate via the aforesaid plurality of filtration channels 31 so that the water passing from the first chamber 15 to the second chamber 16 is filtered. An annular gasket 30 positioned between the filtering sock 19a and the collecting piece 11c ensures that the water can flow from the first chamber 15 to the second chamber 16 only by the plurality of filtration channels 31.

[0033] With reference to Fig.3, the cartridge inlet 17 and the cartridge outlet 18 are respectively positioned at the second chamber 16 and the outlet 13. In this manner, the water passing from the second chamber 16 to the outlet 13 is subjected to the action of the descaling treatment device 20.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 8, the descaling treatment device 20 includes a plurality of pairs of electrodes 22,23.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment of the appended figures, the electrodes 22,23 are disk-shaped.

[0036] Each pair of electrodes 22,23 includes a positive electrode 22 and a negative electrode 23 arranged coaxially and alternatingly. In other words, the positive electrode 22 acts as a cathode whereas the negative electrode 23 acts as an anode.

[0037] In particular, the electrodes 22,23 are arranged in axis with respect to the longitudinal axis L.

[0038] Still more in particular, with reference to Figs 3 and 7, annular seats 26 are provided that are obtained inside the shell 24, so as to fix in position the electrodes 22,23. The electrodes 22,23, are thus arranged inside the cartridge 14.

[0039] The electrodes 22,23 are made of suitable material; for example, the positive electrodes 22 can be made of a copper-zinc alloy whereas the negative electrodes 23 can be made of a zinc alloy.

[0040] In a further embodiment, part of the positive electrodes 22 has a further high purity silver surface layer.

[0041] Further, as shown in Figs 3 and 8, the electrodes 22,23 are conformed so as to cause a pressure drop inside the cartridge 14.

[0042] In detail, in the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the appended figures, the electrodes 22,23 are provided with a central opening surrounded by a plurality of wing segments, arranged radially, that protrude in the same direction with respect to the plane defined by the electrode, thus defining a plurality of radial openings.

[0043] The cartridge 14 further comprises a grid 27 at the cartridge inlet 17 so as to fix in position the filtering sock 19a and the shell 24.

[0044] Lastly, as shown in Figs 3-7, the magnetic capture device 21 comprises a magnet 21a.

[0045] In particular, the magnet 21a is positioned at the second chamber 16 so as to capture possible ferrous particles contained in the water.

[0046] Still more in particular, the second chamber 16 has a larger section than that of the filtration channels 31 so as to slow the water flow, promoting the capture of possible ferrous particles.

[0047] With reference to Fig. 3, the magnetic capture device 21, and in particular the magnet 21a, is positioned inside a seat 28 obtained, in axis with respect to the longitudinal axis L, in the lower piece 1 lb. The magnet 21a is thus positioned between the lower piece 1 lb and the collecting piece 11c. Still more in particular, the magnet 21a is glued inside the seat 28.

[0048] In detail, the seat 28 is obtained on the bottom of the lower piece 1 lb.

[0049] The operation of the water treatment and filtration apparatus 10 and the path that the water follows therein will be disclosed below.

[0050] First of all, as shown in Fig.4, the water enters inside the apparatus 10, and in particular inside the first chamber 15, traversing the inlet 12, to then pass through the filtering sock 19a so as to eliminate all, or almost all, the solid particles present in the water.

[0051] At this point, as shown in Fig. 5, the filtered water flows along the plurality of filtration channels 31 until it reaches the second chamber 16, where it is slowed, thus promoting the action of the magnet 21a.

[0052] In particular, the magnet 21a captures possible ferrous particles contained in thewater, the latter being thus collected on the bottom of the collecting piece 11c, which can be extracted if necessary so as to eliminate the collected ferrous particles.

[0053] Subsequently, the water flows inside the cartridge 14 to then exit the apparatus 10 through the outlet 13 (Fig.6).

[0054] In detail the water traverses the cartridge inlet 17.

[0055] Subsequently, the water is subjected to the action of the electrodes 22, 23 until it reaches the cartridge outlet 18.

[0056] As mentioned, inside the cartridge 14, the water is subjected to a pressure drop. Further, the water is also exposed to the electric charge present on the surface of the electrodes 22,23.

[0057] The combination of pressure drop and exposure to an electric charge induces the calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate ions to bond to form aragonite, which has a different crystalline structure from calcite (main component of limescale).

[0058] The crystalline structure of the aragonite, in particular, makes it unable to form sediment along the pipes, water heaters, sanitary, etc, thus remaining suspended in the water and finally being discharged.

[0059] Further, in the case in which part of the positive electrodes 22 has a further surface layer of high-purity silver, the descaling treatment device 20 also provides an antibacterial treatment.

[0060] During use, it is possible to monitor possible clogging of the mechanical filtration device 19 through the inspection openings 32 and in case to carry out suitable cleaning operations. In this regard, the shell 24 further fulfils the function of supporting the filtering sock 19a, preventing the collapse thereof when it is clogged.

[0061] During the aforesaid cleaning operations of the mechanical filtration device 19, the cap 34 is removed so as to enable the air to vent and the pressure to be relieved through the vent opening 33.

[0062] From what has been disclosed above, the water treatment and filtration apparatus achieves all the intended objects overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0063] In particular, the apparatus does not require any chemical and additive substance to be added from the outside.

[0064] Further, the apparatus does not need any energy supply.

[0065] In addition, the apparatus is structurally compact owing to the coaxialarrangement of the devices therein, and, in particular, of the mechanical filtration device, of the descaling treatment device and of the magnetic capture device.

[0066] Lastly, the apparatus is easy to clean and maintain.

[0067] In detail, the transparency of the collecting piece and the presence of openings in the lower piece enable possible clogging of the mechanical filtration device to be monitored and if a cleaning and / or maintenance task is necessary, it is possible to uncouple the upper piece and the lower piece so as to be able to clean, for example, the mechanical filtration device or the collecting piece from possible collected ferrous residues or, in the event of a fault / wear, to replace the cartridge by extracting it.

[0068] Variants are possible in the configuration of the body of the apparatus and in the configuration and number of the components thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Water treatment and filtration apparatus (10) comprising a hollow body (11), provided with an inlet (12) and an outlet (13) respectively for the entry and the exit of the water, which extends along a longitudinal axis (L) and inside which are removably arranged a mechanical filtration device (19) to eliminate the solid particles present in the water traversing said apparatus (10), a descaling treatment device (20) and a magnetic capture device (21) for capturing the ferrous particles contained in the water traversing said apparatus (10), said mechanical filtration device (19), said descaling treatment device (20) and said magnetic capture device (21) being arranged coaxially along said longitudinal axis (L).

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein said descaling treatment device (20) comprises a treatment cartridge (14) arranged removably inside said body (11) along said longitudinal axis (L), said cartridge (14) being formed by a shell (24) in which a cartridge inlet (17) and a cartridge outlet (18) are obtained respectively for the entry and exit of the water from said cartridge (14).

3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 2, wherein said mechanical filtration device (19) comprises a filtering sock (19a) arranged around the outer side surface of said shell (24).

4. Apparatus (10) according to claim 3, wherein said shell (24) has externally a plurality of grooves (25), said plurality of grooves (25) and said filtering sock (19a) thus defining a plurality of filtration channels (31) that extend along the side surface of said shell (24), and wherein said cartridge (14) and said filtering sock (19a) determine inside said body (11) a first chamber (15), including said inlet (12), and a second chamber (16) communicating through said plurality of filtration channels (31) so as to filter the water passing from said first chamber (15) to said second chamber (16), said cartridge inlet (17) and said cartridge outlet (18) being respectively positioned at said second chamber (16) and said outlet (13) so as to subject the water passing from said second chamber (16) to said outlet (13) to the action of said descaling treatment device (20).

5. Apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein said magnetic capture element (21) comprises a magnet (21a) arranged at said second chamber (16).

6. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said descaling treatment device (20) comprises at least one pair of electrodes (22,23) comprising apositive electrode (22) and a negative electrode (23) arranged coaxially and alternatingly.

7. Apparatus (10) according to claim 6, wherein a part of said positive electrodes (22) has a further high purity silver surface layer, said descaling treatment device (20) thus also providing an antibacterial treatment.

8. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein said descaling treatment device (20) comprises a treatment cartridge (14), arranged removably inside said body (11) along said longitudinal axis (L) and formed by a shell (24) in which a cartridge inlet (17) and a cartridge outlet (18) are obtained respectively for the entry and exit of the water from said cartridge (14), and wherein said descaling treatment device (20) comprises at least one pair of electrodes (22,23), comprising a positive electrode (22) and a negative electrode (23) arranged coaxially and alternatingly, said electrodes (22,23) being conformed so as to cause pressure drop inside said cartridge (14).

9. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein said positive electrodes (22) are made of a copper-zinc alloy and said negative electrodes (23) are made of a zinc alloy.

10. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein said descaling treatment device (20) comprises a treatment cartridge (14), arranged removably inside said body (11) along said longitudinal axis (L) and formed by a shell (24) in which a cartridge inlet (17) and a cartridge outlet (18) are obtained respectively for the entry and exit of the water from said cartridge (14), and wherein said descaling treatment device (20) comprises at least one pair of electrodes (22,23), comprising a positive electrode (22) and a negative electrode (23) arranged coaxially and alternatingly, said electrodes (22,23) being disk-shaped and annular seats (26) being provided that are internally obtained in said shell (24) so as to fix in position said electrodes (22,23).

11. Apparatus (10) according to claim 4, wherein said second chamber (16) has a larger section than the section of said filtration channels (31), the water undergoing a slowdown in this manner.

12. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein said body (11) is made of three pieces (1 la,l lb, 11c), an upper piece (I la) comprising said inlet (12) and said outlet (13), a lower piece (11b) in which a seat (28) is obtained, in axis with respect to said longitudinal axis (L), inside which said magnetic capture device (21) is positioned and a collecting piece (11c) positioned between said upper piece (I la) and said lowerpiece (1 lb), that are coupled removably.

13. Apparatus (10) according to claim 12, wherein said collecting piece (11c) is made of a transparent material and said lower piece (11b) is provided with inspection openings (32) so as to enable the interior of said collecting piece (11c) to be viewed from the outside.

14. Apparatus (10) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said upper piece (I la) and said lower piece (1 lb) are threaded so as to define a screw coupling and tighten in position said collecting piece (11c).

15. Apparatus (10) according to claim 14, further comprising an annular gasket (29) positioned between said collecting piece (11c) and said upper piece (I la) so as to ensure a watertight fit.

16. Apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a vent opening (33) for venting air and relieving pressure during the cleaning operations of said mechanical filtration device (19).

Images